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Redemption In The Kite Runner

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Richard von Weizsaecker once said, “Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer; the secret of redemption lies in remembrance”. Weizsaecker’s statement elucidates that sin is inevitable and the concealment of sin elongates remorse. Redemption lies in how one determines their actions towards their transgression. Literature has made redemption a topic of study. Khaled Hosseini is no exception and deliberates redemption and the hardships and sacrifice that are affiliated with it. This is present throughout Khaled Hosseini’s fictional novel, The Kite Runner, which portrays the constant seeking of salvation, whether salvation of oneself or of broken relationships through the characters Amir and Baba. In Hosseini’s, The Kite Runner, the author …show more content…

Their broken connection allows Amir to yearn mistreatment from Hassan to justify his sorrow. He cannot live with himself after what he has done and desires revenge from Hassan. ‘“Hit me back!” I spat. “Hit me back, goddamn you!” I wished he would. I wished he’d give me the punishment I craved, so maybe I’d finally sleep at night. Maybe then could things return to how they used to be between us”’ (Hosseini 98). Guilt has plagued Amir, which makes him unable to see himself the same; he now sees a ‘monster’ (Hosseini 91). Amir hungers physical agony in order to feel emotionally at ease. He recognizes there must be something sacrificed for by standing Hassan’s rape, in order to atone his friendship. Later on, Amir visits Baba’s old friend, Rahim Khan in Pakistan. Rahim Khan tells Amir, “There’s a way to become good again” (Hosseini 202). Rahim Khan comprehends Amir’s struggle to redeem of his relationship with Hassan and offers him one last chance to achieve it. Rahim realizes the actions Amir must take to finally be liberated of iniquity to correct his companionship. He is obligated to protect Hassan’s orphaned son Sohrab in

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